by Becca Risley | Oct 28, 2015 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
Lipscomb’s theatre department nears the opening of its next main-stage musical, bringing the magical world of the Grimm’s fairy tales to the Collins Auditorium stage with Into the Woods. The story, guided by a side-stage narrator, combines several well-known fairy tales into one cohesive story that follows the Baker and his wife in their quest to have a child. During this two-and-a-half-hour production, the woods thrusts the audience into the world of Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, and Little Red Riding Hood. The first act tells the familiar story: Cinderella marries her prince. Jack and his mother discover riches. Rapunzel finds true love. The Baker and his wife have a child. The second act takes the happy endings from the first act and gives them a reality check. “Act two does a number on me each time,” said senior musical theatre major Sarah Zanotti, who plays the Baker’s wife. “I never know how I feel or what’s going to happen. But I think that’s exactly how the characters are. “They don’t know what’s going to happen; they don’t know how they’re going to feel or what their journey is going to be. It’s a beautiful show and it tricks you into the ending.” But most of the beauty happened because of the theatrical decision to bring backstage members into the light as part of the storytelling elements. “We have a very intentionally theatrical production,” director Scott Baker said. “There’s no effort to hide puppeteers, lighting, orchestra and the theatrical elements of the show.” Instead of placing certain set pieces on stage, a crew member will often step in...
by Lyndi Locke | Oct 27, 2015 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
It wasn’t just a men’s fashion show, but a discussion of character, attitude and professionalism that brought several Lipscomb students to Shamblin Theatre Monday night. The second annual Professional Men’s Event was held in an effort to give the men of Lipscomb advice on how to succeed in the professional world, focusing on “The Art of Being a Gentleman.” The event was hosted by the fashion and business departments along with the College of Entertainment and the Arts. Theatre professor David Hardy described it as a combination of fashion, business and music. College of Entertainment and the Arts Dean Mike Fernandez hosted a panel discussion on what it means to be a gentleman in today’s world. “Being a gentleman is not just about your appearance,” film producer and Lipscomb alumnus Casey Bond said. “It’s about your attitude and how you present yourself to others.” Film director Spencer Glover stressed the importance of having confidence. “The first impression is very important,” he said. “Whatever it is that you do, be the best that you can.” The panel also discussed what it means to be a professional in today’s world. “Knowing the standards of your workplace is important,” business owner and Lipscomb alumnus Tyler Browning said. “Setting the goal of obtaining those standards will help you succeed.” Along with providing advice on how to be a professional and a gentleman, the event focused largely on fashion and how important it is to know how to dress correctly on the job. “It’s about knowing your profession,” Bond said. “Own what you’re wearing; whatever you wear makes a statement.” Local designer Eric Adler and...
by Becca Risley | Oct 14, 2015 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
Story by Becca Risley and Stephanie Schiraldi Pop, hip-hop, Southern gospel and rock music rang out from the same Nashville stage Tuesday, Oct. 13, as the 46th annual Gospel Music Association Dove Awards returned to Lipscomb’s Allen Arena for the third year in a row. The event, co-hosted by Mary Mary gospel music star Erica Campbell and “Duck Dynasty’s” Sadie Robertson, returned to Nashville two years ago, and the GMA is in the third year of its contract with Lipscomb University. The theme of the awards show was “Better Together.” Lipscomb University President Randy Lowry addressed the crowd with a word of thanks and welcomed the audience with a reminder – that the meaning of the Dove Awards goes far beyond honoring Christian music and musicians. “You are here to share in the story of God’s redemption and hope,” Lowry said. “We will share that together in this arena and we will take it to the world.” Click the play button below to hear how Lipscomb’s campus was affected by the awards show. http://luminationnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Dove-Awards-Campus.mp3 Lowry wasn’t the only Lipscomb face that appeared on stage. Eight Lipscomb students were given the opportunity to play on stage with award-winning artist Lauren Daigle. “Lauren was so thankful and excited to be playing with live strings,” sophomore Jamie Pratt said. “I didn’t really grasp how cool this opportunity was until the eight of us were sitting behind her on the stage, looking into the crowd of so many influential musicians we were about to perform for. This was such a big night for Lauren, and it really was an honor to come behind her to...
by Brianna Langley | Oct 12, 2015 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider, Opinion
Chattanooga Located about two hours south of Nashville is Chattanooga. Nicknamed the “Scenic City,” this place is not short of picturesque scenery. Peaceful mountains and rivers surround Chattanooga. With fall break just around the corner, it is an ideal spot for a short escape from the hustle and bustle of school. What to do: Visit the Tennessee Aquarium Open since the early 1990s, the Tennessee Aquarium is always a crowd-pleaser. Along with tons of exotic marine life, there is a huge butterfly room, reptiles and even penguins. Shop on Frazier Avenue Need a little retail therapy to help you decompress from all that school work? Frazier Avenue has you covered. To be such a small stretch of space, Frazier does not disappoint when it comes to shopping. There are a variety of boutiques to browse. Blue Skies is the place to go if you’re looking for charming and unique gifts. Plum Nelly offers jewelry, house collections and more. River City Apparel has a wide range of trendy clothing for the contemporary customer. Get your heart pumping at High Point Climbing Gym Looking to engage in something a little more active? High Point Climbing Gym is ideal for adrenaline junkies. With 30,000 feet of climbing space, you can climb till your heart’s content. There is even an outdoor climbing wall that stretches up the building. Where to eat: Urban Stack If you’re in the mood for good burger, Urban Stack is worth a visit. Although it has only been open a few years on West 13th Street, it is a staple in Chattanooga. If you’re not a fan...
by Becca Risley | Oct 9, 2015 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
Several of Fanny Crosby’s (1820-1915) never-published hymns were recently discovered, restored and brought to life Thursday evening at Heaven’s Encore in Lipscomb’s Alumni Auditorium. The evening’s musical director Bobby Blazier asked a variety of artists to take Crosby’s lyrics and set them to music. The evening also celebrated the 150th anniversary of Crosby’s death and was recorded live on Periscope. “She was a very powerful, amazing woman with an amazing amount of heartbreak and heartache in her life,” Blazier said. “But her joy would fill the country. That joy comes out in her songs.” Founder of American Policy Roundtable Dave Zanotti hosted the event alongside Wayne Shepherd. Zanotti and Shepherd recorded the event for a special radio show on The Public Square. This World Premiere of undiscovered hymns and new music will be heard on over 200 radio stations as well as internet and podcast broadcasts. Zanotti said the program will even reach some of the underground churches in China. The pair led the audience through the life of Crosby, pausing only for autobiographical video interludes and scheduled performances of each song available on the new album. Featured performances included The Blind Boys of Alabama, Ernie Hasse & Signature Sound and Nashville’s own The Calling. “What we want is for this music to come to the world as quick as possible,” Zanotti said. “This is the premiere. We hope thousands of radio stations pick this up, but we don’t have a single dime invested. We are invested in something more – in the music.” Crosby composed over 8,000 poems and songs during her 95 years. She was also an educator...
by Erin Turner | Oct 6, 2015 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
What students didn’t know when they entered Allen Arena for the normal Tuesday morning chapel is that they would take giant steps back in time to 1891 — the year David Lipscomb and James A. Harding founded the educational institution that has flourished and become Lipscomb University. David Lipscomb, portrayed by Henry “Chip” Arnold — son of the late, legendary Lipscomb professor of music and theater, Henry O. “Buddy” Arnold — was welcomed on stage by Lipscomb President Randy Lowry on Tuesday, Oct. 6 for Founders Day. “I’m assuming the tuition office is still accepting live chickens for payment,” Arnold’s Lipscomb character said. The school was founded in 1891, when tuition was only $3 a month and women never were to be seen wearing anything except dresses. While things have changed since that October day in 1891, Lipscomb University remains grounded in its spiritual and academic growth. “Here we are 124 years later, and we still engage with the Word in academic classes and still have students that go all over the world sharing the message and serving people,” Lowry told his special visitor from the past. “That’s one aspect of Lipscomb you would be proud of.” Today over 4,500 students are enrolled at Lipscomb University, but when the school first opened only 32 students were enrolled, including just two women. “I believed at that time that young women play a vital role in our society, and that they should be educated and have the opportunity to be educated just as much as young men,” Arnold’s Lipscomb character said. It was not common for women to get an education then, but now women dominate campus, as 61...
